Mascot, Nickname and Traditions

East Carolina University fans are excited about the Pirates sports program that not only has a proud tradition, but one that is becoming dominant across the state and beyond.

The Pirate Mascot
A costumed mascot first emerged in 1983.  Known as Pee Dee the Pirate, the University shortened the school symbol's name to just "Pirate" in 1985.  

However  the Pee Dee name reemerged in 2008. Other school mascots representing the school have included a live wildcat and a couple of dogs including a Great Dane.

Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium
This Pirates lair was first built in 1963 and as the football program has grown, this facility has been expanded several times.

The 2010 expansion increased the stadium's capacity to 50,000.

East Carolina Football Legends Chris Johnson
Johnson was a 4-year star at ECU before being drafted in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans.  

Johnson drew interest from the NFL after gaining nearly 2,000 yards of total offense and scoring 23 TD's. Since joining the NFL, Johnson has been a force in 2009.